5 things you need to know: Cowboys v Warriors
1. EVEN STEVENS
The Cowboys and Warriors have locked horns 38 times in what has been an entertaining head to head match-up, with both teams remarkably winning 19 games apiece.
The Warriors dominated the early encounters between the two sides, winning 11 of the first 14 meetings, but the Cowboys rebounded emphatically shortly after the turn of the century by triumphing in nine of 12 games between 2003 and 2008.
2. HISTORY INTERTWINED
The newly formed ARL competition added four new teams for the 1995 season – the North Queensland Cowboys, Auckland Warriors, South Queensland Crushers and the Western Reds – only the Cowboys and Warriors have survived.
North Queensland's 2015 premiership gives them bragging rights over the class of '95, but the Warriors have enjoyed their own success, playing in grand finals in 2002 and 2011.
3. NEW TIMESLOT
Cowboys fans may have had to double take when they saw the scheduled kick-off time for Friday's game.
After playing the Friday 7.50pm timeslot on four different occasions this year, Paul Green's men will play the early Friday game, with kick-off scheduled for 6pm.
The Cowboys have one more early Friday game remaining on their schedule – a Round 20 clash with Newcastle at 1300SMILES Stadium.
4. MAKING A CHANGE
Green has given his roster a significant makeover for Friday night's clash.
Michael Morgan returns at fullback in place of Lachlan Coote, while Kane Linnett moves from the bench to centre after two impressive performances returning from injury.
Winger Antonio Winterstein has been rested with Javid Bowen earning a promotion from the Queensland Cup.
Scott Bolton returns at prop after missing two weeks with a rib cartilage injury, with Sam Hoare moving to the bench.
5. MILESTONE APPROACHING
Last weekend's loss to Parramatta means the Cowboys are still searching for club win number 250.
A victory over the Warriors on Friday night would see North Queensland reach the mark.
